JÓZSEF LENDVAY SR. is the concertmaster of the Budapest Gypsy Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1985 to honor the memory of the legendary gypsy soloist Sándor Jaroka. Lendvay performs with the orchestra throughout Europe, particularly in France, where the orchestra presents 60 sold-out concerts annually. He is a recipient of Hungary's Golden Cross and Nivó dij awards for musical contribution.